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Eclipse 550 Entry Level Jet (VLJ) Specifications and Charter Rates

The Eclipse 550 is a next-generation very light jet designed for private travelers who value efficiency, advanced avionics, and exceptional performance. Seating up to six in a compact yet comfortable cabin, it offers a rapid cruise speed of 375 knots and a max range near 1,125 nautical miles, making it ideal for quick business or leisure hops between cities.


With cutting-edge technology, low operating costs, and remarkable handling, the Eclipse 550 is redefining expectations for entry-level jets. This profile details its features, real-world performance, typical charter rates, and everything you need to know before booking your flight.

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Eclipse 550 Overview

The Eclipse 550 sits atop the VLJ class, offering an unmatched blend of efficiency, speed, and affordability. Carrying up to six passengers, its refined Pratt & Whitney engines and advanced avionics suite provide pilots with effortless control and reliability. Signature features include single-lever power controls and envelope protection for added safety.


Its unique combination of performance and cost-effectiveness makes the Eclipse 550 one of the most attractive options for shorter private missions. The aircraft’s compact size allows access to smaller airports, bringing you closer to your destination and maximizing convenience for both business and leisure travel.


Operators appreciate the 550’s low fuel consumption and strong dispatch reliability. For clients, this translates to cost savings, more accessible point-to-point travel, and a premium private cabin experience at a fraction of the price of larger jets.

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Eclipse 550 Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Entry Level Jet (VLJ)

Passenger capacity:

Up to 4 (typical), 6 maximum

Crew:

1–2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1496 nautical miles (around 1720 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

375 knots (about 429 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 345 knots

Service ceiling:

41000 fee

Engines:

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW610F turbofans

Thrust:

Roughly 900 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 2433 feet

Landing distance:

About 2790 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 76 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 16 cubic feet

First delivered:

2014

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Eclipse 550 Range and Performance

With a practical range of approximately 1,125 nautical miles, the Eclipse 550 is purpose-built for regional journeys and nonstop city pairs like Los Angeles to Denver, Dallas to Atlanta, or Paris to Geneva. Its 375-knot high-speed cruise ensures swift flight times, while the 41,000-foot service ceiling provides smooth travel above weather and commercial traffic. | The aircraft’s nimble design and impressive takeoff and landing performance—requiring less than 2,500 feet for takeoff—grant access to thousands of airports, including smaller regional fields not served by commercial airlines. This flexibility maximizes your travel efficiency and puts your destination within easy reach. | Owners and operators benefit from the 550’s ultra-low fuel consumption and streamlined maintenance requirements, ensuring cost-effective, reliable operations for every flight. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, you’ll enjoy time savings and point-to-point convenience that commercial carriers can’t deliver.

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Eclipse 550 Cabin Experience and Interior

The Eclipse 550’s cabin, though compact, is intelligently designed for comfort and productivity. Passengers enjoy executive seating for four with the option to accommodate up to six, all within a sleek, modern environment that emphasizes privacy and quiet. | Large windows flood the cabin with natural light, and every seat offers access to fold-out tables for work or relaxation. The aircraft features climate control, ample storage for hand luggage, and a refreshment center for short journeys. | While the stand-up height is limited, the thoughtful layout ensures you maximize every inch of space. For business travelers, the calm atmosphere supports productivity between meetings; for leisure flyers, the Eclipse 550 transforms regional travel into a seamless, comfortable experience.

Eclipse 550 Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Eclipse 550 typically runs in the range of $2500 to $3500 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Eclipse 550 down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Eclipse 550?

The Eclipse 550 fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

The Eclipse 550 is best suited for individuals or small groups seeking rapid, cost-effective point-to-point travel on short to medium routes. For trips under 1,000 miles or when accessing airports with limited runway length, it delivers exceptional private jet value.

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How the Eclipse 550 Compares to Other Entry Level Jet (VLJ)

The Eclipse 550 continues the legacy of the original Eclipse 500, which debuted as a pioneer in the very light jet category in the early 2000s. The 550, introduced in the 2010s, incorporated advanced avionics, enhanced safety features, and greater reliability, making it a leader in technological innovation.


Developed by Eclipse Aerospace in the United States, the 550 benefited from lessons learned in earlier models, offering improvements such as autothrottle, anti-skid brakes, and state-of-the-art cockpit systems. Its streamlined production and robust support network have secured its reputation as a favorite among owner-operators and charter providers worldwide.


Today, the Eclipse 550 remains a benchmark for efficiency and sophistication in the VLJ segment, delivering private jet performance once reserved for larger, more expensive aircraft.

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Eclipse 550 History and Background

The Eclipse 550 continues the legacy of the original Eclipse 500, which debuted as a pioneer in the very light jet category in the early 2000s. The 550, introduced in the 2010s, incorporated advanced avionics, enhanced safety features, and greater reliability, making it a leader in technological innovation.


Developed by Eclipse Aerospace in the United States, the 550 benefited from lessons learned in earlier models, offering improvements such as autothrottle, anti-skid brakes, and state-of-the-art cockpit systems. Its streamlined production and robust support network have secured its reputation as a favorite among owner-operators and charter providers worldwide.


Today, the Eclipse 550 remains a benchmark for efficiency and sophistication in the VLJ segment, delivering private jet performance once reserved for larger, more expensive aircraft.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Eclipse 550 Carry?

The Eclipse 550 typically seats four passengers in executive comfort, with optional seating for up to six. Flexible layouts mean it’s well-suited for both business groups and families traveling for leisure.

What Is the Range of the Eclipse 550?

The Eclipse 550 has a range of approximately 1496 nautical miles, or roughly 1720 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Eclipse 550 Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 375 knots (about 429 mph), with a long-range cruise near 345 knots. The aircraft's 41000-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Eclipse 550?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $2500 and $3500 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Eclipse 550 Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The Eclipse 550’s intelligently designed cabin features wide, comfortable seating and large windows for natural light, along with dedicated storage for personal items and a refreshment center.

Is the Eclipse 550 Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most short to mid-range city pairs, yes. The Eclipse 550 can easily fly nonstop between major regional centers, though longer routes may require a brief technical stop if flown at maximum capacity or against strong headwinds—an expected tradeoff for its efficient design.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Eclipse 550 jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Eclipse 550, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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